Opening a new chapter in sports cooperation between Vietnam and Japan

On the afternoon of October 16, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Junichi Kawai, Council Member of the Japan Sports Agency, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Sending his greetings to Mr. Junichi Kawai, Minister Nguyen Van Hung expressed his joy when the Japanese sports agency attended the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting. The Minister deeply believed that with the responsible coordination and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries in general, Japan and Vietnam in particular, the contents and projects will achieve many good results.

Thanking the warm welcome of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Minister Nguyen Van Hung, Mr. Junichi Kawai, Member of the Council of the Japan Sports Agency, Ministry of Education , Culture, Sports, Science and Technology said that the cooperation projects between Japan and Vietnam in recent times have made new progress under the support and facilitation of Vietnam.

Overview of the bilateral meeting

Mr. Junichi affirmed that Vietnam is one of the important areas for Japan in developing relationships, especially sports: "Sports will help train and nurture children's physical fitness. Through sports, children will enjoy the joy of movement and have good health. I believe that sports is an important field for Japan and Vietnam."

Appreciating and agreeing with Mr. Junichi's comments on the sports cooperation situation between the two countries in recent times, Minister Nguyen Van Hung commented that Japan is a developed country, has many achievements at sports events and possesses many talents in this field, often in the top of the region and internationally.

Furthermore, Japan "does not go alone", but also wishes to share with other countries to move towards higher development.

"In any country, sports are a manifestation of strength and will, but Japanese sports are stronger and more resilient" - the Minister praised.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung, Mr. Junichi and delegates took a souvenir photo.

Based on the outstanding sports activities between Vietnam and Japan, Minister Nguyen Van Hung suggested that in the coming years, the two sides will work towards the goal of solidarity and further tightening sports cooperation and exchange.

Specifically, the Minister proposed that the two countries reach an agreement to periodically organize martial arts exchange festivals and send delegations to learn and exchange.

"The cultural activities and festivals of Vietnam in Japan and Japan in Vietnam have had great significance, attracting the attention of the people. If we can incorporate martial arts exchange activities, it will enrich the festival and contribute to promoting traditional martial arts," said Minister Nguyen Van Hung.

Next, the Minister expressed his hope that the Japan Sports Agency and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will have more training and coaching classes so that Vietnamese athletes can have the opportunity to practice and improve their performance before competing in international competitions.

Regarding the near-term goal, the Minister suggested that before the 2026 Asian Games held in Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will create conditions for Vietnamese athletes to have the opportunity to exchange and learn through early training trips, in order to fully prepare a proactive mindset for the important congress, creating opportunities to bring glory to the country.

Responding to Minister Nguyen Van Hung, Mr. Junichi affirmed that he would direct the units directly related to the above 3 proposals to make plans and proposals to work and get the earliest results. Mr. Junichi also expressed his hope that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism would soon have instructions to further promote the results of this working session today.

Pleased with the high consensus from Japan, Minister Nguyen Van Hung assigned the Department of International Cooperation and the Vietnam Sports Administration to implement the plan, with derivatives and proposals for annual operations, creating a stable foundation for implementation.

The Minister expressed: "Vietnam and Japan are two countries with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. Over the years, we have achieved many achievements, clear marks, and miracles in the fields of economy, cultural industry, and people-to-people exchange. Therefore, there is no reason why sports cannot develop more strongly and deeply. I hope that through this meeting, a new chapter in sports cooperation between the two countries will open up in the coming time."

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/mo-ra-chuong-moi-trong-hop-tac-the-thao-giua-viet-nam-nhat-ban-20251016184124511.htm